Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls are a 6 ingredient snack packed with protein. Try this delicious recipe for a summer no bake snack for an on the go energy boost. I pack them in my son’s lunch and he loves them.
I love that I can control what goes into my son’s snacks. If you like that too, try my crock pot chex mix and my sugar cinnamon tortilla chips.
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Why this Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe for no-bake energy bites because they’re so easy to put together for an on-the-go afternoon snack. Even the pickiest of eaters will love this perfect healthy snack.
- 10 Minute Prep: Just 10 minutes and you are set.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry and the recipe is so simple.
- Family Friendly: Everyone, moms, dad and kids love these treats,
- Adaptable: Can make it low-carb, , dairy free, low sugar
- Makes Great on the Go Snacks: After or pre workout, after school, evening treat. You can have these protein balls any time.
- Portable: It’s easy to pack and take with you, making it great for lunches or picnics.
Can I Use Different Nut Butters for this Healthy Snack?
Yes, try different nut butters such as almond butter, cashew butter or sun butter.
Pro Tip to Make Protein Balls
Sweetener Alternatives: Honey, agave nectar, liquid stevia or rice syrup will all work as replacements.
Simple Ingredient and Variation Suggestions for Energy Balls
This great recipe is so versatile. I like to experiment with flavors by using different ingredients.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Peanut Butter: Use peanut butter that’s either chunky or smooth. Feel free to also use any brand of peanut butter. For a lower fat option use peanut butter powder.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips, or use cocoa powder for a less sweet option. Or lily’s chocolate chips as they are sugar free.
- Nuts & Seeds: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for crunch and added nutrients.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or instant coffee powder can enhance the flavor.
- Extracts: Vanilla extract is a common addition, but almond, peppermint, or other extracts can create unique variations.
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots add chewiness and sweetness.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted or untoasted, for added texture and flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites
This peanut butter chocolate chip protein balls recipe comes together in just 3 easy to follow steps. These old fashioned oat balls are so easy and delicious, I make them all the time. The chocolate flavor adds the right touch.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Heat Peanut Butter: Warm the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl on high for 20 seconds.
- Mix Ingredients: Add maple syrup, old fashioned rolled oats, warm peanut butter, M&Ms, cinnamon and salt to a large bowl. Stir with a large wooden spoon until well mixed.
- Roll and Chill: Use a small cookie scoop to scoop some of the mixture. Press mixture together in your hands and roll dough into balls. Place on wax paper lined cookie sheet. Chill for 30 minutes.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for the Best Protein Balls Snack Recipe
When I prepare ingredients ahead of time, it can help save me time when it comes to making this snack or treat.
- Mix Ingredients: You can combine all the ingredients (dry mix, nut butter, liquid sweetener, and any wet additions like extracts) in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together and the oats to soften, making rolling easier.
How to Store and Use Leftover Oat and Chocolate Chip Balls
- Storing: Store chocolate and peanut butter protein balls in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Store balls in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy protein peanut butter chocolate balls with other energy ball recipes Granola Banana Bites.
Common Questions About This Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter Cup Recipe
Yes, try adding your favorite protein for a healthy protein boost, like chocolate protein powder, unflavored protein, vanilla protein powder or vegan protein powder or any whey protein powder.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less of sweeteners like agave, or sugar-free sweetener alternatives.
Yes, try using different cereals or granola. You could also use gluten-free oats.
If your protein bar balls are too dry and crumbling, you may not have added enough liquid. Try adding more maple syrup next time to help things stick together better.
Expert Tips for Healthy Protein Energy Ball Recipe
- Runny, Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter made with just peanuts and salt. Its smoother, more liquid consistency helps bind the ingredients and prevents the balls from being too dry. Avoid the thick, no-stir varieties.
- Right Oats: Quick oats are often recommended for a smoother texture. Rolled oats provide a chewier bite. Steel-cut oats are generally not suitable as they don’t absorb moisture well. You can also grind rolled oats into a finer flour for a smoother result.
- Quality Protein Powder: Choose a protein powder with a flavor you enjoy. The type (whey, casein, plant-based) can slightly affect the texture, so you might need to adjust liquid accordingly.
- Natural Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup are great natural binders and sweeteners. Adjust the amount to your preference. For vegan options, use maple syrup or agave.
- Good Chocolate: Use good-quality mini chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chips offer a less sweet and more intense flavor with higher antioxidant content.
- Chocolate Coating: Into melted chocolate, dip the no bake energy balls so that they’re covered.
- Rolling Tip: Wet your hands before rolling to preventing sticking.
- Texture: Using a food processor is beneficial in achieving a uniform consistency of this easy recipe.
- Serve this Recipe: Enjoy energy balls with other snack recipes like Turkey Club Sandwich Kebabs, Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels.
More Recipes You Might Like
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls
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Ingredients
- 3 cups Old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup Peanut butter
- ½ – ¾ cup Maple syrup
- ⅓ cup Chocolate M&Ms
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Warm the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl on high for 20 seconds.
- Add all ingredients to a large bowl, starting with 1⁄2 cup maple syrup.
- Stir with a large wooden spoon until well mixed.
- Scoop 1½-2 tablespoons of mixture at a time.
- Press mixture together in your hands to get it to stick.
- Roll into a ball and place on parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Repeat until all of the balls have been made (using extra maple syrup if you can not get the final balls to stick.
- Refrigerate for 30 mins before serving.
Christina’s Notes
- Runny, Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter made with just peanuts and salt. Its smoother, more liquid consistency helps bind the ingredients and prevents the balls from being too dry. Avoid the thick, no-stir varieties.
- Right Oats: Quick oats are often recommended for a smoother texture. Rolled oats provide a chewier bite. Steel-cut oats are generally not suitable as they don’t absorb moisture well. You can also grind rolled oats into a finer flour for a smoother result.
- Quality Protein Powder: Choose a protein powder with a flavor you enjoy. The type (whey, casein, plant-based) can slightly affect the texture, so you might need to adjust liquid accordingly.
- Natural Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup are great natural binders and sweeteners. Adjust the amount to your preference. For vegan options, use maple syrup or agave.
- Good Chocolate: Use good-quality mini chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chips offer a less sweet and more intense flavor with higher antioxidant content.
- Chocolate Coating: Into melted chocolate, dip the no bake energy balls so that they’re covered.
- Rolling Tip: Wet your hands before rolling to preventing sticking.
- Texture: Using a food processor is beneficial in achieving a uniform consistency.
- Serve this Recipe: Enjoy energy balls with other snack recipes like Turkey Club Sandwich Kebabs, Bacon and Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
These look amazing!
Yum! These are the perfect quick snack for the afternoon slump.
These are such a great idea for healthy snacks on the go. Love the M & M’s too!